Hitachi Construction Machinery announced the commencement of the world’s first technological feasibility trial of an ultra-large full battery rigid frame dump truck by an Original Equipment Manufacturer operating at the First Quantum Kansanshi copper and gold mine in the Republic of Zambia.

The technological feasibility trial aims to verify the basic performance of operations required of a battery-powered dump truck – such as travelling, turning, and stopping – under actual operating loads, as well as the verification of battery charging and discharging cycles.

The full battery dump truck was jointly developed with ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation. Based on Hitachi Construction Machinery’s extensive experience with dump trucks equipped with trolley dynamic charging systems, the full battery dump truck is able to continuously operate practically on sites, by directly charging from the overhead lines and regenerative braking system without needing to stop and charging through the adoption of the battery system developed by ABB. In addition, limiting the battery volume reduces the battery weight as a percentage of the overall vehicle weight and helps maximize the load capacity to display a high level of cost performance.

With environmental awareness on the rise in the mining industry, there is growing interest in the electrification of mining machinery as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the high customer demand for the electrification of dump trucks in particular, which are operated in large numbers at mining sites, Hitachi Construction Machinery began collaborating with ABB in June 2021 to develop the full battery dump truck.

Hitachi Construction Machinery’s Vice President and Executive Officer, President of Mining Business Unit, Eiji Fukunishi, stated “Mining companies around the world are working to reduce emissions. As Original Equipment Manufacturer, it is our vision to provide solutions that can reduce our customers’ environmental footprint. The battery dump truck represents the future, not only for the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group but for the mining industry as a whole, and we are pleased to establish this proving ground on an active mine site and work with First Quantum on advancing this zero emission solution.”

First Quantum’s Director Mining, John Gregory, stated “Battery zero emissions development with little to no impact on payload, production and fleet size is achievable with Trolley Assist and First Quantum have mastered this technology by working with 2,600V systems of Hitachi Construction Machinery to provide stable platforms with multiple trucks on the overhead line at the same time. This system is operational, practical and economical feasible solution that will reduce emissions in mining for many years to come.”

To learn more about the future of zero-emissions off-highway vehicles, hear keynote speeches about the latest innovations in the field, and visit a wide array of exhibitors, book your tickets to the DZOM EXPO, taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre in Chicago, IL, on December 3–4, 2024.

For more information, visit our website or email us at info@innovatrix.eu for the event agenda.

Source:

Hitachi Construction Machinery